Avoidance

“What else would you like to know little wolf?” He asked in a slightly playful manner. As the one question that forever aches through my soul burns in my mouth, the server drops off another wine bottle and I hurriedly take it, pouring a huge glass. Noah’s eyebrow did the signature move as he clicked his tongue. “Be careful,” he warns. I take a sip so big my cheeks puffed out with the amount of the liquid taking over my mouth and rapidly sliding down my throat. “Why me?” I finally ask. “Why you what?” A whisper of irritation slid through me, “Why did he choose me?” I study his face as if it holds every answer. His forehead tightened, shadows gathering above his eyes, “I’ll do whatever it takes to find that answer for you Akira, but right now I have no idea,” his answer cracks a little piece of my heart, but I know it’s not his fault, why would he know?

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs softly as he reaches for the bottle and pours the same amount I did into his glass. My lips twitch as I force my face to remain neutral. The server returns again but this time with two shots of clear liquid, undeniably tequila from the smell of it. “I thought we might need something a little stronger for this conversation,” his closed lipped smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “I don’t want you to feel sorry for me, I don’t need anyone’s pity. Shit happens I guess,” I’m clearly irritated and I don’t bother trying to mask it anymore. Damn, this alcohol is starting to work its magic then isn’t it? We both reach for the shot glasses at the same time, he holds his up as if saying cheers and downs his. I follow suit after hitting the table with the bottom of the glass before shooting it back.

“Your nightmares,” he starts, taking a pause to gage my reaction, “what can you tell me about them?” I snort, unable to help myself. “What is there really to tell? The wolf with the red, glowing eyes stalks towards me and I wake up just as he…” I let the sentence trail off not being able to finish it. “Well, you know what happens after that I guess,” he just stares at me. I have no idea what he’s thinking but he seems deep in thought. “I thought I was the one asking questions tonight?” I say in attempts to change the subject. He takes a deep breath and sighs, so I click my tongue just like he seems to do every time I sigh. The side of his lips turns up in a devilishly handsome smirk, and his eyes lock mine in place, drowning me.

“You gotta stop doing that Mr. Alpha, I heard it’s disrespect,” I remind him. “You’re good at changing the subject Akira, but we will revisit it soon,” Noah says, “When you’re ready to talk about it, I’m here.” He’s still staring into my soul, I want to look away but can’t. The weight of his words hold me, I’ve never really had anyone to talk to since all this has happened except for Star and she’s almost as lost as I am. “I will always be here for you Akira,” Star says, understanding my feelings. “I know Star, and I will always be here for you, you’re my best friend,” my heart clenches realizing once again how I’ve lost so many people in my life because of this… change. I close my eyes, breaking the contact and trying to hold my emotions together. I reach out for his to try to ground myself and I’m surprised by the feelings I’m flooded with. Sadness, but also attraction? “Star is that what it is? I’m still getting used to this power,” I question. “If you feel an even stronger attraction to him after pulling his emotions to you then that is what I’m assuming it must mean,” she explains. “Yeah that makes sense, I’m just clearly already attracted so I’m confused if it’s mine or his,” I tell her. “Your wolf is strong,” he breaks me from being distracted inside my head and I slowly look up to him. “You have no idea,” I reply. “So are you little wolf,” he says, “in so many ways.” I’m surprised by his compliment. “Be careful Noah, if you keep complimenting me I might start to think you like me,” flirting seemed to have always been a default setting after being a bartender for over a decade. It’s worked wonderfully in distracting from the deeper issues at hand.